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Best Equestrian Camping near Fort Payne, AL

116 Reviews

Equestrian camping options near Fort Payne, Alabama are limited, with none of the surveyed campgrounds featuring dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. Closest to Fort Payne, Cherokee Rock Village allows pets but lacks horse-specific amenities such as corrals, wash stations, or designated equestrian campsites. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground permits pets and offers various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options, but contains no dedicated horse facilities based on the feature list. Most campgrounds in the region allow pets generally, but this should not be confused with proper equestrian accommodations.

Riders seeking bridle trails must look beyond immediate Fort Payne vicinity, as none of the surveyed campgrounds connect directly to established horse trail systems. For proper equestrian camping, travelers should contact individual campgrounds directly to verify horse policies before arrival, as special arrangements or designated areas for horses may exist despite not being featured in standard amenities lists. Some campgrounds may allow horses with additional fees or restrictions during certain seasons. The terrain surrounding Fort Payne features varied topography with mountains and lake access that could potentially accommodate trail riding if permission is secured. Horse owners should bring portable corrals or highline equipment when camping in areas without permanent equestrian facilities.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Fort Payne, Alabama (9)

    1. Cherokee Rock Village

    33 Reviews
    Leesburg, AL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 523-3799

    $0 - $35 / night

    "We attended North Alabama trails and recreation’s Rock and Rig event here. The park is beautiful with amazing views."

    "the locals) since 2011, starting back when it was still largely undeveloped and free…totally worth paying for these days - they’ve made it such a great place: showers, bathrooms, dumpsters, plenty of walk-in"

    2. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Guntersville, AL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 571-5455

    "The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water."

    "This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it."

    3. Mountain Cove Resort

    3 Reviews
    Mentone, AL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 539-2683

    $25 - $30 / night

    4. Sawmill Lake Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    23 miles
    Website

    "It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."

    "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking."

    5. Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Estillfork, AL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 968-6215

    "Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."

    "It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."

    6. Coleman Lake Rec Area

    14 Reviews
    Fruithurst, AL
    47 miles
    Website

    "Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all. We have been camping here all my life. It is one of my favorite campgrounds."

    "This can certainly be seen as a positive."

    7. Tennessee Wall Camp

    3 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    45 miles

    "There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing."

    8. Davis Pond Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."

    "About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."

    9. Shady Grove

    1 Review
    Fort Oglethorpe, GA
    44 miles

    $2 - $38 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Fort Payne, AL

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fort Payne, AL

116 Reviews of 9 Fort Payne Campgrounds

  • A
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Coleman Lake Rec Area

    Nature Lover's Dream

    Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all. We have been camping here all my life. It is one of my favorite campgrounds. Sites are first come, first serve, water and electric. There is a campground host on duty. A campground for equestrians is near the main campground. The Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia goes right beside the lake and is a great section hike.

  • Abigail P.
    Jun. 13, 2019

    Sawmill Lake Campsite

    Primitive camping perfect for Rocktown climbers

    If you’re looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach. My group went for several days over thanksgiving 2018, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Nights turned a bit chilly, so make sure to pack layers if camping in the fall or winter season. I think you’re technically supposed to have a Georgia outdoors permit to stay here (which we did), but we did not encounter a single ranger during our six-day stay. Check the Rocktown forum on Mountain Project for up-to-date info on permit requirements.

    The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times.

    You can pretty much set up camp anywhere there’s open ground. Plenty of trees around for hammock camping as well. My group of 10 people had no problem finding open areas to set up camp together. There are several man-made fire pits, and plenty of wood and brush lying around to scavenge for fire-making. There are no water hookups, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you. There is also an area at the campground for equestrian camping, though we didn’t check that out, as, alas, none of us had horses.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2017

    Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite

    Great backpacking

    The walls of Jericho are an incredible site to see if you are willing to make the backpacking adventure to them. The hike in takes only about an hour and is all downhill. Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon. When you reach the bottom of the trail and cross a river there are several campgrounds that you can set up at. After getting settled keep following the trail back into the canyon and you will get to the first waterfall/pool. Don't stop there though cause the real view is the waterfall at the back of the canyon that takes a little scrambling to get to. While there recently with my wife we spent 2 nights camping at the horse campground and spent our full day doing a loop hike into Tennessee. The only thing you have to be cautious of is it can get pretty muddy if it has rained heavy recently. I would suggest going in spring cause that is when everything is blooming and so beautiful.

  • William S.
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Davis Pond Campsite

    Away from it all

    Down a long and winding (and dusty) gravel road into the WMA is the Davis Pond camp site, a real gem with shady trees and a fishing pond. 

    This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables. However, it can easily accommodate many more campers in the space and has multiple dirt-and-rock fire pits.

    While there is a two-station pit toilet, it's a bit of a horror show with a lot of trash accumulating in the structure. Another downside, after I set up my tent I noticed that some hornets were flying into a nearby dead tree. I quickly moved to another spot but luckily noticed it before it got dark.

    There's a gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign in sheet right next to the camping area. 

    In addition to the multiple trails (for hiking, ATVs, and horses) closer to the entrance to the WMA (and far from the camp) is a shooting range.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite

    Great for groups

    This is one of the larger campsites available at Walls of Jericho and definitely the easiest to find. I have stayed here a couple of times and always enjoyed it. The one downside to this site is that it can get somewhat flooded after heavy rains. It can also get fairly crowded since there are multiple firepits and tent clearings not far apart from each other. This is definitely the best site if you have a large group or want to be able to set up multiple tents. It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents. If it seems crowded and you want more privacy though you can turn left off the trail and walk a short ways to the horse camp which is more secluded and removed from the trail. My last suggestion is that if you are here on a clear night head out to the field abutting the site and enjoy some stargazing!

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2019

    Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite

    Clark Cemetery

    The Clark Cemetery campsite is a moderate sized campsite along the Walls of Jericho trail and is located just yards from the Clark Cemetery and the Turkey Creek Bridge. The site is approximately 3.1 miles from the Alabama hikers trailhead parking lot. The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents. There are also many trees that would be suitable for hammock camping. You can choose from a shaded space to a sunny space depending on which side of the site you set up on. I counted at least six fire rings at this site, so multiple groups could be accommodated. With the very close proximity to the Clark Cemetery (a 1800’s family cemetery) I imagine the campfire stories could be very entertaining. 

    This is backcountry camping so plan appropriately (no bathroom, pack it in- pack is out). We found no cell phone service with Verizon at this site. Water can be sourced from Turkey Creek if it is flowing, but should be treated/filtered (on this visit Turkey Creek was pretty dry after a very dry summer, but Hurricane Creek is just a short walk away).

  • Ally B.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    It's great if you want to be close to the water or see wildlife!

    The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water. It doesn't have as much shade as it used to due to tornados but it is still a really great campground. There are a lot of great hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails. On anygiven day you can drive through the park and see an abundance of deer. The state park is also home to a zip line and an excellent golf course and the lodge has a pool and a really great restaurant.

  • Bounding Around The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    Beautiful lake

    This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it. The facilities were really nice and there is a store and restaurant all within the park. It’s a bit of a drive to get to town so try to get the essentials before setting up camp. The campground is nice– a definite recommend!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Cherokee Rock Village

    Rocks and Rigs

    We attended North Alabama trails and recreation’s Rock and Rig event here. The park is beautiful with amazing views. We camped on the “brow” not in the rv parking area so I can’t speak to the camping spots or amenities for RVs, but the staff and facilities are nice.

Guide to Fort Payne

Horse camping in Alabama offers a unique way to explore the state's beautiful landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you'll find plenty of options for a memorable outdoor experience.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • At Cherokee Rock Village, you'll find well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • Sawmill Lake Campsite offers a rustic experience with defined sites and burn pits, making it a great choice for those looking to connect with nature.
  • Mountain Cove Resort features electric hookups and water access, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.

Tips for equestrian camping near Fort Payne, Alabama

Most campgrounds have horse-focused features

  • Shady Grove is known for its friendly atmosphere and numerous on-site activities, making it a fun destination for horse camping.
  • Tennessee Wall Camp offers spacious sites with fire pits, perfect for unwinding after a day of riding and exploring.
  • Alabama Lake Guntersville State Park Campground features a variety of accommodations, including tent and RV sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fort Payne, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fort Payne, AL is Cherokee Rock Village with a 4.8-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fort Payne, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Fort Payne, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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